Before the 17th century, Judenplatz (Jewish Square) was the center of Jewish life in Vienna. The site was known as the Schulhof in the Middle Ages, becoming the Judenplatz only after the expulsion of the Jews in the 15th century. Excavations have revealed the line of a north-south medieval street running through the site of the square, lined first with wooden houses, replaced in stone from the 13th century onwards, when the synagogue was also built.